Executive Director, Human Resources, Stacey Matthews

One of the most fulfilling parts of my position as the executive director of Human Resources at Selkirk College is getting to play a role in nurturing connections in our workplace and community. I’ve worked at the college for more than 15 years, and it has been a privilege to witness the culture and workforce grow and evolve over the years.

It sounds like connection is important to you too. In the Organizational Climate Survey, you requested more opportunities to socialize and collaborate, so we immediately began reimagining our employee orientation event into an employee and family BBQ. While vacationing in Alaska this summer, I found myself excited to come back and spend time with employees at the event.

Seeing everyone come together to enjoy delicious food, engage in conversation, connect with colleagues, play fun games, have a chance to win great prizes (including two $250 gift cards for team-building activities), and simply have a great time while listening to the fantastic student band Bella Cat was wonderful. Getting to meet your partners, children and parents deepened my appreciation for the amazing people who have chosen to build their careers at Selkirk College. A big thank you to those in the Facilities and Cafeteria teams who helped make it happen!

It’s not every employee event that produces stunningly beautiful poetry. What was designed as a simple game of Human Bingo resulted in some amazing haikus, like these ones:

“Two rivers converge / in the heart of the Kootenays / school starts again”

"Expand your knowledge / discover your potential / grow into yourself”

And this one, which perfectly captures my feelings about the Employee & Family Welcome Back BBQ:

“This day is perfect / to meet and greet new people / and welcome them here!”

If you wrote one of the three haikus above, please contact communications@selkirk.ca to claim your prize!

We’ve already begun to receive some great feedback about the event, and we aim to use it to make next year even better. Here is the link Employee & Family Welcome BBQ Survey (surveymonkey.ca) if you would like to let us know your thoughts.

Wishing everyone a successful semester and year ahead.